Against all odds
Q. What are your expectations now from the government authorities? Now that women are winning more medals than men in Indian sports, what can be done to encourage more women to take up professional sports? A.
The Haryana government is really doing god work i n sports. But I want to suggest that there should be proper wrestling matches organised i n villages and nearby stadiums. There should be proper equipment and t raining centres with gyms and medical facilities, which would boost the performance of our athletes. Also, if regular health checks are conducted, I believe it would good for the sport. If these minute details are taken care of by the government, I think more talent would emerge from our villages. There is no dearth of talent in villages; it just needs to be explored.
Q. Any message that you’d like conveyed to young girls aspiring to become sport stars one day? A.
By bringing Olympic medals to our homeland, I think as women, we have proved that girls can do wonders in any field; and that we are no less than the boys. The only message that I would like to give is this: whatever field you’d like to pursue, be open to your parents about your aspirations. Sitting at home would not get you anything. You must come out and speak your mind so that you bring some change in your society and in your country.
“Initially, people would say things like, as a girl, I should not be wrestling: “It’s a boy’s game!” Many of them continuously taunted me, saying that I won’t be able to achieve anything in this game.
Q. You are now appointed as the Wrestling Director at Rohtak University. Do you have any plans to promote girls in sports through this office? A.
I am focusing on my career first. I would also love to promote women in sports and will try to do as much I can to support them. I would try to get them all the facilities they deserve.
Q. What are your future plans? A.
I would start training for future tournaments, and of course for the next Olympics Games, soon.